Student enrollment up from spring 2016

Bill Eaves beaves@foghornnews.com   More than 11,700 students registered for Del Mar College this spring, according to preliminary, uncertified reports. The 11,728 students enrolled this semester is a drop from the 11,973 certified in fall 2016, but a jump of 550 from spring 2016, according to college records. The figures include both full-time students and flex entry students, which are those taking short-week courses offered throughout the semester. Patricia Dominguez, dean of Outreach and Enrollment Services, said several factors led to the increase from spring 2016. “Employment opportunities are revving back up again … I think it’s slow going, but…

DMC proposes 9 gun-free zones

Bill Eaves beaves@foghornnews.com   In August, all public community colleges in Texas will be required to allow concealed handguns to be carried on campus by licensed owners. However, those planning to exercise their Second Amendment rights at Del Mar in the fall should know that there are several spaces designated as gun-free on campus. There are several laws that allow the administration to designate these areas, and Interim Chief of Security Lauren White explained why these spaces were recommended to receive the gun-free designation. “There are areas where guns will be prohibited. The Center for Early Learning is a daycare,…

Del Mar safety program receives funds

Bill Eaves beaves@foghornnews.com Texas Mutual Insurance Co. has donated a $100,000 grant to Del Mar College’s driver safety program. Woody Hill, vice president of safety services for Texas Mutual, presented the check to Del Mar representatives Lenora Keas and Mary McQueen Jan. 25 on West Campus. “It’s our mission to promote safety in the workplace,” Hill said. “We want everyone to go home in the same condition they arrive to work in.” He expressed Texas Mutual’s desire to promote safety education in the community, which the insurer supports by donating to six campuses annually. This is Del Mar’s fourth year…

Veterans Services head takes new job

When she came to Del Mar five years ago to lead the Veterans Services department, Tammy Micallef didn’t have many resources. “This was not a department when I got here, this was one person,” said Micallef, a former chief in the Navy. She helped develop the department from a solitary worker in the registrar’s office to a solid department with a staff of seven.  Micallef will be moving on in January to become the director of veterans education at the Texas Veterans Commission.  “Leaving this job is about the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” Micallef said.  Micallef described…

Classic ’70s film gets remade for television

‘Westworld’ proves to be the hottest show on HBO In a TV landscape overpopulated with happy families and cops dramas, HBO delivers a sci-fi drama packed with mysteries, murders and machines. “Westworld” tells the story of a futuristic theme-park (designed to operate like the Wild West) populated with smart robots, acting out stories and role-plays specifically designed to allow visitors to live out any fantasy, regardless of how despicable. Some visitors simply want to visit the local brothel, others want to go on a bounty hunt, or shoot a cowboy in a duel at high noon. However, if you want…